Teen Summer: Writing Relationships with Care and Complexity

***This class will be hosted remotely! You'll receive an email from your instructor about 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin with a Zoom link. There is no need to download or sign up for Zoom in advance!***

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Class Description:

Sometimes, the challenge in our writing isn’t fleshing out our characters, but rather the space between them. How do we capture relationships in a way that is concise yet profound; that is specific to our characters yet immediately relatable to our readers; and thoroughly explored without being heavy-handed? How do we identify the critical moments in our stories, no matter how small or mundane, that get at the heart of a relationship? What narrative tools are the most effective in communicating the nuances of a relationship? In this class, we’ll traverse a variety of relationships: familial, platonic, and romantic. We'll read/watch messy relationships in short stories, films, and spoken word. Then, we'll create and develop characters; and explore craft techniques that show the complexity of our characters' relationships through what is spoken and what is unspoken. Whether you aim to write a moment of interpersonal connection as a flash piece, as the beginning of a short story, as an excerpt for your memoir, or as something else entirely, join us in deep-diving into that weighty space between your characters. For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY. This class was previously listed as, Moments in Love or Otherwise: Capturing Relationships.

Takeaway:

At the end of the week, students will workshop each other’s work and leave with new writing and peer-informed direction.

Zoom Accessibility:

Online Class Format--Sustainability and Community:

Based on student suggestions and to offer writers a sustainable learning experience, this YAWP weeklong provides a balance of craft sessions and exercises with plenty of optional components so that teens can take screen breaks as needed. 

Each morning session will feature a craft talk or group exercise with your designated instructor, and in the afternoon you’ll have optional and lowkey meetings that could consist of:

• Q&A chat with your writing instructor
• Group writing with music
• Reading party
• Movie viewing followed by a chat about craft
• Writing games
• Open mic/sharing

Students are encouraged to self-advocate, opting out if they are fatigued or diving in if they want more creative activity. Either way, instructors will always be available to answer questions via email and/or Zoom chat!

Registration Instructions:

• If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
• If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
• If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
• Please register with your preferred name :)

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this summer!***